And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
1 JOHN 4:21KJVWhat does 1 John 4:21 mean?
1 John 4:21 says that anyone who claims to love God is also commanded to love their fellow believers. This is not just a suggestion but a direct instruction that loving God and loving others are inseparable in Christian teaching.
The apostle John is writing to early Christian communities, reminding them of a core teaching he says comes from Jesus himself. The verse highlights that love for God must show itself in real love toward others in the community, especially fellow Christians. This command ties together the relationship with God and the way believers treat each other, making both essential parts of faith.
The Greek behind 1 John 4:21
- ἐντολή (entolē, "commandment"): This word means a direct order or instruction, not just advice. John stresses that loving others is a non-negotiable part of following God.
- ἀγαπάω (agapaō, "loveth" / "love"): This Greek word refers to a self-giving, committed kind of love. It is not just about feelings but about active care and concern.
- ἀδελφός (adelphos, "brother"): While literally meaning "brother," in this context it often refers to fellow believers, emphasizing the family-like bond in the Christian community.
Why 1 John 4:21 matters
- This verse clears up the idea that someone can love God without caring for others; John says the two must go together.
- It emphasizes that love is not just a private feeling toward God but must be lived out in relationships with other people.
- The verse connects back to Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels, showing that John is passing on what he received directly from Jesus about the centrality of love.